IB Physics is one of the most difficult subjects in the IB Diploma. Nonetheless, it is still very possible to attain a good score. In fact, according to the IB Statistical Report of November 2022, 13.3% of Standard Level Candidates and 34.6% of Higher Level Candidates received a 7. Last year, there were two students of mine took IB Physics HL, both got 7 marks.
With my 15 years IB Physics teaching experiences, there are 7 key things that successful students are doing in terms of learning the course and IB Revision.

1) Know IB Physics Syllabus
The first best tool of IB Physics is the Syllabus. The Syllabus contains all the possible concepts that could possibly be examined. In the exam, every question is checking the physics concepts according to the Syllabus, not more than that. This means that if you can do every point in the Syllabus, then there is nothing that can surprise you in your final examination. So, make sure you always have your syllabus next to you as you study, practice and revise.

2)  Annotate IB Physics Data Booklet
The second best tool of IB Physics is the Data Booklet which included 80-90% formula will used in the exam. I always recommend students to make their own Data Booklet to combine IB Physics Data Booklet and Syllabus, plus related questions and solutions. In that way, as you learn, you’re cross-referencing to both formula and syllabus. When you do this, you’ll be well aware of all the topics you’ve covered, and familiar with all the formulas.

3) Maximize Your IB Physics Internal Assessment (IA) Scores 
Whilst the IB Physics exam may be difficult, the Internal Assessment is relatively easier. This is because you can do them without any time pressure, and most teachers can give you suggestions and recommendations to maximize your IA scores. And most importantly, scoring high in your IA means that you can score lower in your final exam and still get a good score. What I recommend is to check the Physics Guide very closely and look at what is required of you for the IA, if there is anything you’re unsure about, make sure you ask your teacher about it. 

4) Make Sure You Understand Each Point of the concepts 
Comparison with other science subjects, Physics require a bit more logic thinking rather memory only, so it is crucial, try to understand in more depth. As you learn each point, make sure that you really understand it before moving on to the next point. Firstly, most subsequent points will depend on an understanding of the first few points, so if you miss a concept, you may get lost. Secondly, it saves you a lot of time to prevent you back and forth too many times. Thirdly, it builds up your confident to move on.

5) Plan and Manage You Time Well 
Try to plan your time well. It is a good study habit for all subjects, not just for Physics. The special part of Physics is the concepts of physics are more abstractive and logical.  When you study it, you need more quiet time to focus on. Therefore, try plan the best time for it. And It worth to plan some time ahead to preview the topic before class and a bit of time after to review.

6) Do and Practise More Questions 
Comparison with mathematics, there is much less questions of physics for you to practice. Most physics questions are word question, to understand what it asks for and find the concept and equation related to it is not easy. So, more practice is highly recommended. I normally suggest my students to prepare two textbooks to increase more question for practices. Doing questions, helps for you to sink in the knowledge from the theory, also, it reveals holes in your understanding.

Regularly, try practice some past paper questions, especially under timed conditions is very useful, which help you understand exam requirement and familiar exam situation. 

7) Understanding IB Physics Mark Schemes 
One of the reasons why IB Physics is so hard for lots of students, is because what is written in the textbook often doesn’t match the way in the exam.  IB Physics Mark Schemes is often provided with past paper, which give all the clues what those marks based on. It is good idea to understand it and it also give you an idea how to setup a strategy to solve a question.  So, when you do past paper, make sure you have a good understanding of those mark schemes to improve your skill to handle IB questions.

So, remember and practice the 7 key strategies, it would give you enormous help for your IB Physics study, practice and revision.